What is ISR and how is it different from other swimming programs?

ISR is the product of over 50 years of ongoing research. Rather than blowing bubbles and singing songs, our primary focus is ensuring that each student becomes an aquatic problem solver able to survive in the event of an aquatic emergency. We provide real life situations, such as using skills while fully clothed, to ensure students are prepared for a real life drowning scenario.

The priority of ISR is learning survival skills. Does that mean my child will only learn to float, or will they also learn to swim?

ISR Austin teaches survival skills AND proper swimming technique to ensure that all students become adept aquatic problem solvers! Once children have become fully skilled in self-rescue (floating or swim-float-swimming depending on age/skill appropriateness), stroke lessons and swim team prep are next up on tap.

Where are you located?

We offer year-round lessons in various locations throughout the Austin area including the Arboretum, Austin Lake Hills, Cedar Park, Great Hills, Pflugerville, Rosedale, Round Rock, and Zilker. We’re always interested in adding new locations, so let us know if you’ve got a great spot for us!

Are ISR lessons taught in a group setting?

One of the biggest differences between ISR and traditional swim lessons is that we never teach more than one little at a time. All ISR lessons are one-on-one instruction, customized to your child’s level of progress, allowing each lesson to be individualized for each student.

Why are lessons only 10 minutes?

Our student’s well-being and safety are ALWAYS our number one priority. ISR lessons are quite demanding, both mentally and physically, and we never want to over-fatigue or exhaust our students. No one goes back to the gym after a brutal leg day, am I right? Also, we want to ensure retention of skills. As parents, you know all too well how short your little’s attention span can be, and young children attain skills best within the first 10 minutes of an activity.

Why are lessons five days a week?

We know 5 days a week might seem daunting, but we promise it’s worth it! ISR self-rescue skills are developed just like any other sensorimotor skill. When learning to walk, crawl, or even ride a bike, it’s the practice and repetition that makes for success. Imagine if you had only worked on those skills once a week?! Practicing ISR self-rescue skills on a consistent basis allows for muscle memory to form. Muscle memory is what allows your little to self-rescue as soon as they reach the water.

Will my child need to come back after their initial session?

After your little’s initial session, you can expect their skills to last 9-12 months without regular practice and 12+ months with regular practice. Program graduates are encouraged to participate in refresher lessons (shortened session sessions of one or two weeks) annually to refresh and progress skills or maintenance lessons (once weekly) in subsequent sessions to maintain skills. Find additional information about refresher and maintenance lessons here.

Have you ever had students who can't learn the skills?

Absolutely not. Every child can learn self-rescue and swimming skills. Your instructor’s job is to determine the best way to communicate the information (both verbally and through sensorimotor prompts) so that it makes sense to the child. Each lesson is tailored to exactly where your child is in the learning process, ensuring that your child experiences success in every lesson.

Will my child cry during lessons?

Learning new skills, with a new person, in a new environment; honestly who wouldn’t be upset at first? The cry we oftentimes hear in the water is the same cry you get when you take away a toy, don’t let them eat dirt, or put them in their car seat. It’s a protest, and their way of saying they aren’t happy to be there. The good news is, every lesson builds additional in-water confidence and is one day closer to your child being fully-skilled. We know it’s hard to see your child upset but remember, a crying baby is a breathing baby. You’ve got this!

Why do students swim in clothing?

Since we know that 86% of childhood drownings occur when children are fully clothed, students practice their self-rescue skills during the final week of lessons in pajamas and winter clothing tests, (which can add 10-15lbs!). If a child has experienced the sensation of being in the water in clothing prior to an emergency situation, they’re less likely to experience panic and more able to focus on rescuing themselves if one occurs. Also, witnessing your child self-rescue in several layers, a jacket, and shoes will give you such peace of mind!

Why does ISR need my child’s medical information?

ISR’s team of pediatric doctors and nurses review each student’s medical history prior to lessons beginning, to provide guidance to your instructor about how to deliver the safest and most effective lesson for the child and their individual needs. It’s our job to not only provide every child with ISR self-rescue skills, but to provide those skills in the safest way possible. Infant Swimming Resource complies with all federal and state laws and regulations and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, gender, age, religion or disability. It is the policy of ISR to provide reasonable accommodations to its differently-abled applicants and students, with the provision of appropriate documentation of the need for the accommodation.

What is the AAP’s position on swimming lessons for children?

In May of 2010, the AAP changed it's policy regarding the age at which children should start swimming lessons. This change was based on research that found that swim lessons provided reduction in drowning risk of children ages 1 to 4 years old. "Association Between Swimming Lessons and Childhood Drowning," published in the Archives of Pediatric and Adolescent Medicine, March, 2009, was the first study to probe the relationship between drowning reduction and swimming skills. The study concluded that "participation in formal swimming lessons was associated with an 88% reduction in the risk of drowning in 1 to 4 year old children..." and recommended lessons as a layer of protection against drowning.